Serving the Guest: A Sufi Cookbook
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Ful Medames
Fava Beans
Fava
Total time: 1-½ hours
2 cups dried fava or broad beans, soaked overnight
¼ cup red lentils
½ tsp. salt
2 tbsp. finely chopped garlic
½ cup lemon juice
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. allspice
Garnishes:
1 cup finely chopped parsley
1 cup finely chopped scallions
1 cup diced green and red peppers
6 hard boiled eggs, sliced
6 tomatoes, chopped

Drain the beans and put them in a large pot with the lentils. Cover with 3" of water, bring to a boil and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1-½ hours. Add salt after the first hour. When the beans are done, drain them and reserve 1 cup of the liquid containing the disintegrated red lentils. Put the beans in a serving bowl. Combine the garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, reserved cooking liquid, and allspice, if desired. Add to the beans and mix well. Surround the serving bowl with garnishes on individual plates or bowls, and allow your guests to help themselves.